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Blackhawks add Jones in trade with Jackets

*Photo from NBC Chicago*
   After dealing Duncan Keith, the Chicago Blackhawks wanted to add an impact defenseman. Enter the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blackhawks have acquired D Seth Jones, the 32nd overall pick in the 2021 draft, and a 2022 6th round pick from the Blue Jackets, in exchange for D Adam Boqvist, the 12th and 44th overall picks in the 2021 draft, and a 2022 first round pick, according to TSN's Darren Dreger. Both teams have confirmed the trade.

   Chicago GM Stan Bowman said of Jones that "He's an impact defenseman that we've been searching for, for quite some time, and to finally be able to add him to our group here is a huge move for the whole group. I think it changes the complexion of our defense in particular, but our team in general."

   Over the last few months, Jones had reportedly grown upset with the Blue Jackets, and publicly stated his desire to leave, and requested a trade from the organization. Thus, he goes to Chicago, where he also gets a hefty extension, signing an 8 year deal with a $9.5 million AAV, according to Dreger. 

   Blue Jackets president of hockey operations John Davidson said "He did not want to sign an extension with the Blue Jackets with one year remaining on his contract, so we decided to do the best we could to get the return that we need to continue to grow as a franchise. Seth's a great guy, he's a great player, he had every right in the world to do what he did, and I don't hold anything against him one bit. I know he loves this place, but he made a decision personally and professionally for himself. With us, we spent days and days trying to put a deal together."

   Last season, Jones put up 5 goals and dished out 23 assists, with a -18 plus/minus in an ATOI of 25:14 in 56 games for the Blue Jackets. In his 8 NHL seasons, Jones has 65 goals and 221 assists, with a -25 plus/minus in an ATOI of 23:03 in 580 games, split between the Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators.

   Last season, Boqvist tallied two goals and 14 assists, with a -7 plus/minus in an average of 16:59 TOI, in 35 games played. In his two seasons, Boqvist has 6 goals and 23 assists in 76 games, with a -10 plus/minus in an ATOI of 16:35 in that time. 

   Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said of Boqvist that "We haven't had a great power play for a couple of years. He can run a power play. He ran one of the best power plays in the league with Chicago. He's a right-handed shot, he's a good playmaker, he sees the ice really well. He shoots the puck. So he'll get a great opportunity here to do that."

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